Good day once again. We are almost at the end now I am sad to say. I hope everyone enjoyed the madness of the bachelor parties in the last post because today's is a little more serious. This is also the longest chapter of the entire story (a whopping ten word pages) so you all better like it! ;)

Chapter 39

Jaina spent all night tossing and turning in bed. Although she knew that it was perfectly normal for a bride to be nervous, she couldn't help feeling a bit ridiculous. She was a Jedi after all! Getting married shouldn't be able to shake her up this much.

Tired of just laying there, Jaina got up and fixed herself a cup of that old fashioned hot chocolate her uncle loved so much. Breathing in the soothing aroma, Jaina began to slide into a Jedi meditation to try and calm herself down.

A few hours later she was brought out of her trance like state by a soft knock on her door. Opening it with the Force, she saw her mother, her aunt, and Tahiri standing in the doorway.

"You shouldn't do that you know," was her aunt's callous greeting.

"I know, but it's my wedding day; I can do whatever I want."

With a laugh, her mother murmured, "Nice attitude," as her and Mara walked through the doorway. Tahiri held back for a moment.

A smile growing on her face, the blonde girl reached her hand out into the hallway and said, "We have a surprise for you." Stepping forward, the Hapan queen Tenel Ka Djo was revealed.

A squeal of glee escaped Jaina's lips. "I can't believe you made it," she cried as she threw her arms around her beautiful friend.

"Friend Jaina, I would not miss this day for all of the credits in the galaxy. My father sends his good wishes and his regrets about not being able to attend."

Leading the young woman into her room, Jaina said, "Tenel Ka, I'm so glad you're here. I'm sure Jacen will be too," she began before she caught herself; her face turning a soft pink.

"That I am not so sure about."

Slightly confused by what her friends were discussing, Tahiri attempted to change the subject. "Well, I think it's time we start getting you ready for a wedding."

An hour quickly went by as the four other women in the room assisted Jaina by fixing her hair and makeup. As they stood back to admire their work, a quiet knock was sounded on the door.

Tahiri got up to answer it, and was surprised to see the smiling face of Syal Fel standing on the other side of the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Tahiri. You didn't think that Soontir and I would miss our son's wedding, did you?"

Coming to the door to stand behind Tahiri, Jaina called out, "Syal! How are you?"

"I'm doing fine, darling. My, don't you look beautiful."

Jaina quickly introduced their newest guest to Mara, her mother, and Tenel Ka before pointing at a large white box in Syal's hand. "What is that?"

"Well, I was just wondering what you were planning on wearing to the ceremony today."

"My dress uniform most likely. Unfortunately, there isn't any wedding shops near by and we didn't exactly have time to make something, considering there is a war going on and all."

"If you don't mind, I have another suggestion." Syal handed the box to Jaina. "Open it."

Setting it down on her night table, Jaina carefully opened the lid and moved aside the tissue paper. Inside the box laid a beautiful white dress.

"It is what I wore at my wedding, and now I would like you to have it."

"Syal, this is gorgeous, but I can't accept it. You can't just give me your wedding dress."

"Jaina, it has been sitting in my home collecting dust for over twenty years. I want you to wear it, if you would like to."

Smiling broadly, Jaina said gratefully, "I would love to."

With the help of her friends and family, Jaina had the dress on within a matter of minutes. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she began to softly cry. "I love you guys."

The other women simply smiled. They knew.

Jagged Fel woke up from his sleep with a pounding headache and only a foggy recollection of what all had happened last night. Glancing at his chrono, Jag was suddenly fully awake. He was supposed to meet his parents when they arrived three hours ago! Crawling out of bed, he quickly walked out of his room.

Sitting on the couch in the main room was Wyn, Cem, and his father. "Nice of you to join us, son. You invite me here for your wedding and then you don't even bother to make sure you are awake to greet your parents when they arrive."

"Sorry, Father. I had a late night."

"Mm. You might want to start getting yourself cleaned up. Your mother just called to say that Jaina was nearly ready and that you two needed to be ready to go within the next two hours."

"Two hours!"

"Yeah, Jag. You've been sleeping all day," said Wyn.

Turning on his heel, Jag returned to his room to get cleaned up and changed for his big day.

The wedding was to be held in a large conference room on the base. It had been decorated by small flowers and candles that had been located somewhere or another. Everyone was pitching in to make this a special event, even though it was impossible to have a big, fancy wedding at a military base in the middle of a war.

After helping Jaina get ready, Tenel Ka had gone along with the rest of her entourage to the location that would be used for the ceremony. She had been standing in one corner of the room talking to Tahiri when something caught her eye. Turning slightly to her left, Tenel Ka watched as Jacen Solo escorted the pretty scientist Danni Quee through the open double doors on the other side of the room. A flame of jealousy erupted inside the queen, and as her eyes locked with her former lover, she turned her back.

Jacen was sufficiently overjoyed and at the same time confused when he saw Tenel Ka. He could have sworn that when she first locked eyes with him there was a smile on her face, but then her face turned cold and she had turned around. He knew it had something to do with the blonde woman on his arm, but that really didn't make any sense. Tenel Ka had rejected him, not the other way around. Danni's hand caressing his arm brought Jacen back to the present. The two walked inside and found themselves some seats.

It wasn't much later when Jaina stood behind the closed doors of the wedding chamber with her father and Tahiri, who was her maid of honor. Glancing at her dad, she could see tears in his eyes. "It's for real this time, Princess?"

"Yes Daddy, this time is for real. I love him."

Patting his daughter's hand, Han said, "I know. And I must say, you look absolutely beautiful."

A blush rising to her cheeks, Jaina simply smiled. "It's time."

Tahiri went first. Once she was about halfway down the isle, Han and Jaina stepped into view and Jag was stunned by what he saw before him. She was wearing a long white backless dress with flowing sleeves and detailed beading. He had never seen her look more gorgeous. By the time the two reached the front, Jag could hardly breathe. Taking her hand in his, they turned as one to face his uncle Wedge who had agreed to perform the ceremony.

"We are here today to celebrate the love of this man and woman. Over this past year, the feelings between the two have blossomed and grown into a beautiful display of compassion and devotion. I must say, I have never met two people more meant for each other. This young man, my nephew, has the seriousness and devotion of a fearless soldier; and this woman, whom I have known for all her life, is filled with such spirit that not even a war could crush her. Together, they balance each other so that both can flourish in their love."

Smiling, Jaina spoke. "Jag, when I met you, I thought that you were simply another arrogant flyboy; overconfident in his own abilities. When I first discovered that I might actually have feelings for you, I rejected the idea, refusing to fall for the handsome, cocky pilot the way my mother did. But as I got to know you, I realized there was something more. You had such faith and determination, and I began to melt. You complete me."

"Jaina, when we met I saw you as an incredibly good pilot and Jedi. And then I discovered that there was so much more to you. You were fierce, passionate, youthful, wise, loud, energetic, and so full of life. All of this was very foreign to me. I had been raised in a place where focus and determination were more important than laughter and celebration. But as we became closer, all I wanted to do was celebrate. You taught me how to laugh and how to love; in essence, you taught me how to live. And now, I dedicate my life to you."

Stepping forward again, Wedge said, "Now that the vows have been spoken, it is time to exchange rings. A wedding ring expresses your love: shining and unbroken. May your marriage last this way for all of your years." After the two slid their rings onto each other's hand, he continued, "I pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Jag slowly lowered his head towards Jaina and met his lips with hers. They were like silk against his mouth, and he never wanted their first kiss as husband and wife to end. But all too soon he saw Tahiri walk to the front of the room out of the corner of his eye.

A week earlier Jaina had asked Tahiri if she would sing something at the wedding. At first she had been a little hesitant; Tahiri never sang in public. But she slowly warmed up to the idea and eventually said she would do it. Over the last few months she had been spending some of her spare time writing a song, and she thought that it would be the perfect thing to sing at the wedding.

Taking the microphone in her hand, she said quietly "I dedicate this song to Anakin. My true love." Softly at first, she began to sing. The sound of her voice filled the small room and everyone in the audience was moved.

The room slowly began to fill with applause as Tahiri stopped singing. Tears were running down the girl's cheeks, but she was smiling, and she looked happier than she had in a long time. Throwing a glance in Jaina's direction, she could see that her friend was also smiling with tears in her eyes. Thank you she mouthed silently. Returning to her seat in the front row, Tahiri was greeted by Luke's hand softly patting her back.

Hand in hand, Jaina and Jag slowly made their way down the isle amongst the cheers and well-wishings of all their friends and family. They were greeted outside by Iella Antilles who took them to where their reception was being held.

It was only a short time later before the party was in full swing. There was plenty of food, dancing, and alcohol to keep everyone from the politicians to the rogues entertained. Well, almost everybody. Over by the food table stood two solitary individuals; neither looking like they were having much fun.

While Wynssa Fel had enjoyed watching her brother get married, she now felt completely alone at the after party. Everyone around her was dancing and having a ball; and in fact, had the wedding have taken place a few months before, she probably would have been in the center of it all, enjoying every minute of it. But not anymore. Wyn spent most of her time alone these days. She didn't trust that many people, especially boys. And when her parents had arrived earlier that day, it seemed like they could automatically tell something was wrong, but she didn't want them to know. She had made everyone promise that they wouldn't tell her parents what had happened; she just couldn't handle their disappointment in her.

Only a few feet away stood Valin Horn. He too had enjoyed the wedding, but now felt a little out of place. His father and everyone else were out there enjoying themselves. Valin had left the academy to be with his friends and family, but now he felt more alone than ever. He didn't quite fit in anymore. Tahiri and the others had seen things in this war that had changed who they were; and yet he was still this little boy, completely lost in the vast galaxy.

After a few more moments of fidgeting and picking at his food, Valin walked towards the sad looking blonde girl standing near him. She looked to be about a year or two older than him and as if she wasn't having any more fun than he was. Shyly introducing himself, he said, "Hi. I'm Valin Horn."

Turning to see who had spoken to her, Wyn noticed that it was the young teenager who had been eating near her a moment ago. Unsure about what she should do, she hesitantly stuck out her hand. "Wyn Fel."

The two stood in a slightly uncomfortable silence. But at least they weren't alone.

Jacen and Danni had been enjoying a slow dance. At least they were pretending to enjoy it. Danni kept noticing the way he would glance over her shoulder periodically, to look at something behind her. Getting slightly annoyed, she too looked backward. Noticing that the object of his fascination was the beautiful Hapan queen, she turned her gaze back to her date. "Maybe you should go talk to her."

"What?" Jacen asked, as if he hadn't heard her.

"Tenel Ka. Go ask her to dance."

"Why would I do that? You're my date, Danni."

"Physically, maybe. But your mind has been far away all evening. Look, Jacen. I care about you; I really do. But I care about you enough to let go if that is what you really want."

"Danni…"

But she had walked away before he was able to finish.

Tenel Ka had been busy speaking with Jaina when she felt a familiar presence waltz up behind her and tap her on the shoulder. Turning, she saw Jacen, dipping down into a low bow. "Your majesty, may I have this dance?"

Giving him her hand but refusing to say anything, Tenel Ka allowed him to guide her onto the dance floor. The two swayed back and forth for a moment; neither saying anything.

Tired of the silence, Tenel Ka asked coolly, "Jacen, what are we doing?"

"Dancing, or so it appears."

"You know what I meant."

"Not really."

"Why are you not dancing with your pretty friend?"

"Danni?"

"Yes, that would be her name."

"Because I came to dance with you. Is that a problem?"

"Well, if she is the one you chose, then you should be dancing with her, not myself."

"Tenel Ka, I never chose. You did. You were the one who told me to leave; that you wouldn't marry me. I was in love with you. I still am. It was never about you or Danni, Tenel Ka. It was always you."

This left the queen speechless. While the words he spoke were more or less true; it still surprised her that he really meant them. "Jacen, my friend, I do love you. I just don't want you to give your life up for me. If we marry, then you will have to give up everything you are. A man in my land has no true freedom; I can't bare to see you have to live like that."

"But shouldn't the choice about how to spend the rest of my life be mine? I want to be with you, no matter what the consequences. Besides, we wouldn't have to marry right away. I just want to spend time with you. I love you so much."

There in the middle of the dance floor, Tenel Ka, the Queen Mother of Hapes, leaned down and passionately kissed a man. No, not a man. Her man.

In a more remote corner of the reception room, Mara Jade Skywalker slowly swayed back and forth in the arms of her man. They had just spent the day celebrating the marriage of their niece; which only served to heighten and reaffirm their love for each other.

Laying her head on Luke's shoulder, Mara sighed into his neck. "Farmboy."

"Hmm?"

"I have to tell you something."

Glancing into her emerald eyes, he thought he knew what was coming. "I love you?" he asked, trying to beat her to the punch.

"No. I'm pregnant."

One more post to go- the wedding night. Also, I have a special announcement to make in the final post which should hopefully be up by Tuesday or Wednesday. I spent a long time on this chapter, so please review!